Although Korean based Samsung is the still number one selling TV brand worldwide, two Chinese brands (Hisense and TCL) are gaining significant ground in a dead heat for 2nd place. It’s not hard to see why. Both brands continue to offer “near” pound-for-pound performance at lower price points and in larger sizes.
One of Samsung’s most popular TV lines is The Frame, which is slim enough to be mounted like a picture frame for displaying digital art in stand-by mode. Although it debuted in 2017, surprisingly its style has not been copied, until now. Hisense’s answer to The Frame is the CanvasTV.
CanvasTV is designed to blend art, personalization, and premium picture quality, at an affordable price point. The first model in this new S7N CanvasTV series is being offered in a 65-inch screen size with a 55-inch screen size to become available later in 2024.
CanvasTV Features
- Art Mode: This feature curates a library of free art, such as abstract, modern, and Renaissance styles. When the “Art Mode” button is pressed on the remote, users can switch between pre-loaded, iconic artworks and personal photographs. Users can also rotate and style personal photos to create a personalized artistic centerpiece.
- Visuals and Sound: The S7N is a 4K UHD QLED TV. This means that it incorporates a Quantum Dot layer that provides an enhanced color range. The Hi-Matte anti-glare display screen supports clarity and vibrancy, unaffected by ambient light. A multi-channel 2.0.2 surround sound system offers an immersive listening experience.
Tech Note: Consider a soundbar or home theater audio system for the best listening experience when TV sound is lacking.
- Seamless Design Personalized to Taste: The CanvasTV comes with a teak outside frame. However, customers can further personalize their TV’s appearance with additional optional frame options. The interchangeable frames are held securely by embedded magnets, making it easy to swap them out. The UltraSlim Wall Mount ensures a flush installation for a sleek, space-efficient look.
- Entertainment Features: Just as other select Hisense TV models, the S7N incorporates the same connectivity and features as other Hisense TVs. The S7N also incorporates the Google TV OS. Google TV provides access to 700,000+ movies, shows, live TV, and more from various apps and subscriptions, along with curated recommendations from a vast library.
- Gaming: The S7N features 144Hz Game Mode PRO. A Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) of 48Hz to 144Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Low Latency MEMC virtually eliminate screen tearing and reduce lag in a gameplay environment.
CanvasTV vs. The Frame
The chart compares basic features of the 65-inch Hisense CanvasTV and Samsung The Frame TV. There may be differences at other screen sizes.
Hisense S7N Canvas TV Samsung The Frame TV Price (65-inch Model) $1,299 $1,799 TV Type QLED QLED Display Panel LCD LCD Backlight System LED Edge-lit Dual LED Edge-lit Smart TV Platform Google TV Tizen Art Mode Yes Yes Game Modes Yes Yes Screen Sizes (diagonal inches) 55, 65 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 Anti-Reflective Matte Display Yes Yes Display Resolution 4K UHD 4K UHD Surround Sound DTS Virtual X Dolby Atmos Dolby Vision Yes – HDR HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, HDR10+ Adaptive Network WiFi 5 WiFi 5 Chromecast Yes – AirPlay – Yes HDMI Audio Return Channel ARC eARC Refresh Rate Up to 4K@144Hz Up to 4K@120Hz Remote Control Backlit Voice Remote SolarCell Remote Wall Mount Included Yes Yes TV Depth 1.4″ 1″ Rotating Wall Mount N/A Optional Customizable Frame Yes Yes One Connect Box* N/A Yes Warranty 2 years 1 year Weight 63.5 lbs 49.3 lbs
* Samsung’s external One Connect Box houses all inputs/outputs so that only a single link cable connects into the back of the TV. Whereas all connections on the Hisense CanvasTV are located on the back of the TV.
Initial Impressions
Consumers choose an art-based TV because of how flush it mounts and blends into a room. Video quality, while good, is generally less of a concern since both brands offer higher picture quality sets per screen size for less.
A TV’s digital art integration and library are important considerations which may give Samsung an advantage, but they charge a subscription fee. Although, we’re not sure what Hisense offers or charges. However, both sets let you display your own photos.
Usability is the biggest difference day to day. The CanvasTV uses a Google TV interface, while Samsung uses Tizen. Either Smart TV platform gets the job done, and choosing one you already know could shorten your learning curve.
Installation and setup may be handled by a professional installer, but Samsung’s One Connect Box offers more flexibility when connecting other equipment. Since the box can be tucked away in a cabinet, it’s easier to connect other equipment nearby with short cable runs. Alternatively, CanvasTV’s connections all lead into the back of the TV, which could require multiple cable runs through the wall.
Ultimately, Hisense CanvasTV has copied The Frame’s slimness, framing style, and art features, while asking $500 less. That’s significant savings that makes it hard to justify spending more.
Price & Availability
The Hisense CanvasTV S7N series is available now in a 65-inch model for $1,299 at Amazon. A 55-inch model is coming later this Summer (2024) for $999.
Tip: We reviewed The Frame (2020 model) a few years ago and found it quite a compelling option. Since then, Samsung has added a matte screen finish to cut down on glare, larger screen sizes, and new framing/mount/stand accessories.
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ORT
July 24, 2024 at 6:17 pm
In the past year I have purchased two Hisense TVs. A U8 and a U7.
I do not buy crap. I had some trouble with the U8 but found it was the fault of the Firestick and removed it from my system. The U8 is the sharpest and best looking TV I have owned.
I bought the U7 model for my daughter and her family. It is close to my U8 in performance. The new model U8 Hisense models are said to be even better.
’nuff said? Indeed.
ORT